John Zweibahmer
John Ralph Zweibahmer, born on July 28, 1968 died at Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse, Wisconsin on October 22, 2021 from
Some of his most accomplished and fulfilling years were those spent with the Knights of Columbus. He had a passion for living and enlightening the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity. He joined the K of C’s in 2008 not actualizing the extent to how much this organization was going to effect his life. John served as Grand Knight for Ossian Council 2073. He held many titles within the program; District Deputy, Executive Board Member, State Warden, and State Membership Director. As the State Membership Director, he was awarded the highest degree Circle of Honor in 2018 and 2019, which he was very honored to achieve. Within the church, he also served as a fourth-degree member, Faithful Navigator of Davis Assembly 271, and Eucharistic Minister.
As some called him, “Big John” enjoyed tinkering and spending time outdoors; hunting, fishing on his boat, and gardening. He also liked drinking Peach Crown, playing games, popcorn and stringing Johnny Cash on his guitar, not necessarily in that order. He hated maid rites, being late, and a bad Iowa Hawkeye football game, not necessarily in that order. He was a good story-teller; 80% of it was true, the rest was up to your interpretation. In 2017, one day shy of his birthday, he gained his newest title, “Papa John.” Some of his biggest smiles were when he was with his grandchildren.
His spirit is carried on through his wife, Teresa Zweibahmer of Ossian, Iowa; children, Michael John Zweibahmer of Roland, Iowa, Ashley (Brian) Jestrab of Protivin, Iowa, Amanda (Luke) Benjegerdes of Waukon, Iowa and Andrea (Tyler) Lundtvedt of Palo, Iowa; four grandchildren, Mila, Kyson and Ava Jestrab and Gabriella Lundtvedt; mother, Jean Zweibahmer of Ossian, Iowa; mother-in-law, LaVonne Koch of West Union, Iowa; his siblings, Jerry (Steph Wiltse) Zweibahmer of Fredricksburg, Iowa, Julie (Brian) Pecinovsky of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jason (Marilyn) Zweibahmer of Calmar, Iowa and Jaclyn (Michael) Wittenburg of Robins, Iowa; brothers-in-laws, Dwane (Roni Sue) Koch, Rodney (Loretta) Koch, Brian Koch and Keith (Bobbie Jo) Koch; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
John is reunited with his father, Karl Zweibahmer on November 25, 2017; father-in-law, James Koch; paternal grandparents, Theodore and Lillie Zweibahmer; maternal grandparents, Ralph and Carmela Holtey; and his uncle and aunt, Larry and Sandy Rothmeyer.